Valley Springs, CA...Sally Jane Smith ("Jay Bigler") resident of Valley Springs, Ca. 11-12-28 - 07-13-2018. Sally "Jay" was born in Flint, Michigan and grew up in Pontiac, Oakland Co., Michigan. Jay is survived by her wife of 10 years, Stacey Hebrard of Valley Springs, Ca. She is also survived by her nieces Amy Heymann Patterson and Janet Powell, nephews Thomas and Fritz Heymann, and her great nieces Katharine, Barbara and Alyssa Patterson.

Jay was preceded in death by her parents; father Donald Smith, DDS. and mother Lois Smith. Also by Barbara "Bobbie" Lance partner of 27 years.

Jay's favorite childhood memories were of Ipperwash Beach Canada; where she spent most of her summers with her grandparents, aunts and cousins.

She started working locally at Sears-Roebuck Co in Pontiac, Mi., as a type setter doing layouts for the weekly adds.
In 1948 she enlisted in the US Navy; after Basic Training in 1949 she was assigned as an Air Controller in Pensacola, Florida, Fl. In 1952 she was assigned to Whiting Field Milton, Fl. In 1953 she transferred to USNAS North Island, San Diego, Ca. until 1958.

In 1958 Jay went to work for the (FAA) Oakland Tower, Oakland, Ca and Oakland TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control) where she worked until she retired in 1978 as Supervisory Air Traffic Control Specialist.

Jay gave her time and service to: Area 12 Agency on Aging, Meals on Wheels, Senior Lunch Program, Habitat for Humanity and was a member of American Legion Post 102 since the 1990's.

Her favorite charities were: St Jude Children's Hospital and Smile Train because she hated suffering and most of all seeing young children suffer. She also supported Quilts of Honor because they honor our veterans who fought and gave their all for this country.

Jay loved cooking for others, making it beautiful as well as delicious. Jay was an avid golfer belonging to the Sequoia Woods Country Club in Arnold, Ca and the La Contenta Women's 18 Holers in Valley Springs, Ca. She enjoyed golfing all over the state, setting up tournaments and was a certified golf rules official. She also loved traveling and nature. Bald eagles were her favorite bird and she said that sunsets were God's paintbrush at work.
She will be missed!

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in Jay Bigler's honor.

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